They had a slightly easier route to the final having been drawn at home in each round. We, of course, were drawn away against the Cornish Pirates, Doncaster, Bedford and Plymouth. Never mind, we are both away in the final! Can the two of us take more supporters to Twickenham than the other clubs? I will be disappointed if we don’t.

Enough of the cup for the time being. Let’s concentrate on the league and remind ourselves of the current situation. Victory today will see us National League One champions and promoted. Please get behind the team today and shout them across the finishing line. Our dear friends from Devon will of course have other ideas. They will want to spoil out party. Nevertheless, we give a big welcome to the Exeter team and all their directors, coaches and supporters.

In truth they have all the makings of a Premiership set-up. A great facility in Sandy Park, good crowds and an excellent team. They have narrowly lost just five games. No one has rolled them over so it’s all to play for today.

At the moment though we haven’t won anything, so let’s keep our feet on the ground. Everyone at the club is desperate to win some silverware and get back into the Premiership. We want to lose the tag of underachievers and put some pride back into our supporters. It’s been a long time since we have had some bragging rights.

Last year was a humiliating experience when we got relegated. None of us wanted to be in NL1. But there have been two wonderful silver linings. The first, going to clubs all over the country who have been most welcoming. It reminds us what rugby is all about. Secondly, and most importantly, our travelling supporters. Where did you all come from?!

At the beginning of the season I thought it might be a long and lonely slog. How wrong I was! Thousands of you have taken long and expensive journeys to support the Saints. It has been inspiring to both me and the team. I doubt if any club in the Premiership has had such brilliant away support this season. If we do get promoted it will be a long time until I forget the cow pie at Doncaster and the pasties in Camborne.

Jim, Dorian and Paul, being positive sorts of chaps, are preparing for life back in the Premiership. Obviously they intend to strengthen the squad, particularly in the pack. Our ambition for next season is tempered with a touch of realism. To finish high enough in the Guinness Premiership to qualify for the Heineken Cup, to win the European Challenge Cup and perform creditably in the Anglo-Welsh.

Jim will be displeased to hear me talk about the Premiership when the job’s not yet done! I understand that. However not even the England cricket team could blow it from our position, couldn’t they? [Answers on a postcard – Ed.]

Enjoy today’s game. See you next week against Nottingham and don’t forget to get your tickets for Twickenham. Finally, Happy Easter to you all.